Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf, who is part of Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL), is still uncertain about his participation in the competition.
Haris Rauf confronts a potential snag as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to delay the issuance of the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) needed for his involvement in the league.
As per ESPNCricinfo, Rauf’s NOC could face a delay until at least December 11, just four days after the BBL commences. Subsequent confirmation of immediate issuance remains uncertain.
The delay is linked to the ongoing National T20 Cup in Pakistan, slated until December 10. PCB urged all the national players to partake in the National T20 Cup, denying NOC for the T10 League as well.
PCB will delay Haris Rauf's NOC for BBL. BBL set to start from 7th Dec while National T20 will end on 10th Dec. Haris's NOC likely to be issued from 11 December so that he can participate in NT20. Via (ESPNcricinfo)
Haris Rauf played 2 matches so far for Islamabad & bowled well… pic.twitter.com/1ADRFsFnvR
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) November 27, 2023
The potential absence of Haris Rauf from the BBL could pose concerns, notably for Melbourne Stars, who signed him as a marquee player.
Melbourne Stars have also introduced special memberships titled “House of Rauf” for the initial three games at the MCG, alongside a dedicated seating zone called Haris Rauf Bay.
To market BBL to South Asian crowd, BBL is exclusively selling "House of Rauf" memberships to fans at MCG on the name of Melbourne's marquee player Haris Rauf.
PCB on the other hand is all set to delay Haris' NOC for BBL. Good luck getting marquee Australian players for PSL!
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) November 27, 2023
Adding more to that, continuous delays in Rauf’s NOC could raise concerns among other players as well. Usama Mir (Melbourne Stars) and Zaman Khan (Sydney Thunder) are also set for the BBL.
Negotiations between the PCB and players faced hurdles, including disagreements over the number of foreign leagues players could play annually. They seem to have reached a resolution, limiting players to two leagues, pending PCB’s NOC issuance.
The BBL is scheduled to kick off from December 7, 2023, running until January 24, 2024.
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